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Starting work

If getting a job and starting work is what you would like to do after leaving school, you have to plan ahead.

Important times during the year

September to December
Talk to people about your idea
  1. Talk to your parents / carers about leaving school
  2. Ask to see the Careers Adviser in school to talk about what job would suit you and how to look for work
  3. Find out more about looking for work on Looking for work

Top tip

Try to get part time or voluntary work. This will help you to find out more about work and the jobs you might enjoy.

Dylan, Careers Adviser

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January to April
Get ready to look for work
  1. Make sure you have a CV ready to apply for jobs. Find out about Writing a CV
  2. Look at job websites to see what type of jobs are out there. Find out more on How do I find a job?
  3. Find out about Supported Employment and Access to Work to see if they can help you. Your Careers Adviser can talk to you about these. Find out more about the support you can get when you Start Work

Top tip

Get family or a teacher to check your CV for you. They can check for spelling mistakes and suggest other things to add.

Jayne, Careers Adviser

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May to June
Get support from Working Wales and start contacting employers
  1. Careers Wales has Working Wales Advisers who help people look for work when they have left school. They will get in touch with you to see if you need support
  2. Send your CV out to companies
  3. Apply for jobs online
  4. Go to local companies near you to ask if they have any vacancies

Find out more about looking and applying for jobs on Looking for work.

Top tip

Write a letter to go with your CV. This helps the employer know what job you are applying for. Find out more about writing a covering letter on Writing a CV.

Stephen, Careers Adviser

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July
Ask for help if you are still looking for work
  1. Contact Careers Wales if you would like to speak to our Employability Coaches who can help you look for work

Top tip

Careers Wales can help you look for work, support you with writing a CV and application form and tell you about other agencies that can help you.

Ceri, Careers Wales

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